ICC Rejects Bangladesh Request to Move T20 World Cup Matches

Dubai-Mixed reports have emerged after discussions between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) regarding Bangladesh’s participation in the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to be held in India. According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the ICC rejected Bangladesh’s request to relocate its matches outside India, a proposal made over security concerns. The global body reportedly told BCB officials during a virtual meeting that Bangladesh must travel to India for the tournament or risk potential penalties, including the loss of points. However, the BCB later denied receiving any warning or ultimatum from the ICC. Neither the ICC nor the BCCI has issued an official statement clarifying the outcome of the discussion, which was convened after Bangladesh formally asked the ICC to reconsider the venue for its matches.

Bangladesh Bans IPL Broadcast After Mustafizur Snub

However, BCB sources told Geo News that the board received an email from the ICC late at night, where the global body sought further explanation of the former’s security concerns cited in the initial email.

The insiders said that the ICC has sought details from Bangladesh regarding the nature of the security concerns.

They said the BCB will submit a detailed response to the ICC later today.

This issue emerged less than a month before the 20-team tournament begins, with matches scheduled in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

Bangladesh, drawn in Group C, are set to play their opening three fixtures in Kolkata, against West Indies on February 7, Italy on February 9, and England on February 14, before completing the group stage with a match against Nepal in Mumbai on February 17.

The BCB had approached the ICC after the BCCI reportedly directed Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman.

The BCCI’s secretary, Devajit Saikia, informed the media of the decision, although no explanation was given for asking KKR to let go of Mustafizur, who was the sole Bangladesh player bought at the 2026 auction.

It may be noted that the IPL Governing Council did not convene to deliberate on the matter, leaving uncertainty over who, apart from Saikia, was involved in taking the decision regarding Mustafizur.